Siddaramaiah Demands Multiple Deputy CMs Before Stepping Down For Shivakumar

Internal negotiations within Indian National Congress in Karnataka have reportedly intensified as discussions continue over a possible leadership transition between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. While the party high command is believed to be leaning toward Shivakumar in the ongoing power-sharing discussions, sources indicate that the Siddaramaiah camp is now pressing for safeguards to ensure political balance within the state government if a transition takes place. The developments come amid months of speculation surrounding the Congress leadership arrangement in Karnataka.

According to sources, Siddaramaiah’s supporters are demanding the appointment of multiple deputy chief ministers under a potential Shivakumar-led administration. The move is reportedly aimed at preventing the concentration of power within a single faction and ensuring representation for various caste and regional groups within the Congress. Sources further claimed that the Siddaramaiah camp also wants the next Karnataka Congress president to be someone aligned with their faction, strengthening their influence within the party organization even after a possible leadership change.

The Congress leadership has so far not made any official announcement regarding a change in chief ministership, but consultations between senior party leaders and the Karnataka leadership are understood to be ongoing. Siddaramaiah is expected to hold discussions with his loyalists before any final decision is taken. Political observers believe the negotiations reflect the delicate balance the Congress must maintain between its two most powerful leaders in the state, both of whom played key roles in the party’s strong performance in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.

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The leadership tussle has remained one of the most closely watched political developments in Karnataka since the Congress returned to power. Shivakumar, widely regarded as a key strategist and organizational leader, has long been seen as a contender for the chief minister’s post, while Siddaramaiah continues to command significant support among legislators and backward-class communities. The Congress high command now faces the challenge of resolving the issue without triggering factional divisions that could weaken the government ahead of future electoral battles.

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